Friday, 30 January 2015

I've never tried a product by American brand, Earth Science before but I wanted to treat my hair to a pampering mask & was searching through my "to try" box when the Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque caught my eye. As the name suggests, the mask contains avocado and olive oils along with coconut oil and silk protein and is designed to strengthen & nourish dry, damaged, colour treated or over processed hair.

The packaging isn't the most luxurious but nor is it offensive. I appreciated the functionality of the tube dispenser and found that the directions were clear & easy to follow.

Earth Science Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque has a rich, thick texture but in spite of this, I found it easy to work through my hair after shampooing. It felt silky as I applied it to my hair.

I loved the scent. The fruity fragrance is similar to that of the Macadamia Deep Repair Masque, albeit ever so slightly fresher. I was pleased that this lingered in the hair after it had been dried & styled.

I appreciated the convenience of the mask getting to work in just 5 minutes, however, it took quite a lot of effort to rinse out of my hair.

I really wanted to like Earth Science Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque but I simply wasn't wowed by the results. The major downside was that my frizz prone hair wasn't smoothed following use and furthermore, I didn't notice any particular improvement in shine. My hair seemed to be more tangled than usual, which was surprising given that the mask contains silicones. I'm afraid to say that if anything, my conditioner gives better results than this mask. Having said this, it didn't weigh down my fine hair.

As tends to be the case with imported American brands, Earth Science Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque is more expensive to buy over here than in the States. In spite of this, I don't think that £9.50 for 170g mask is unreasonable but I'd personally be unlikely to repurchase owing to my disappointment in the results.

Earth Science is available in the UK from Vital Life (tel: 0207 720 1441).

Tuesday, 27 January 2015

It's no secret that I dislike cleansing wipes- mainly because I don't accept that they offer a sufficiently thorough cleanse. Having said this, I do appreciate their convenience and during travel or those times when you're too tired or worse for wear to perform a full cleanse, they're better than nothing. Today's review is of Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract, one of two types of wipes offered by the popular natural brand.﻿

The packaging is a little bulky and therefore, they may not be the best choice for travel. However, I appreciated the incorporation of a clip fastening on the lid, along with a sticker, to prevent the wipes drying out. This is particularly important to me given that I only use wipes on rare occasions. ﻿

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract are 99.1% natural, making them a good choice for those who favour products with "green" credentials. The wipes themselves are made with natural cloth from wood cellulose certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and feel soft on the skin.

The wipes contain aloe vera juice and glycerine along with antioxidant rich white tea and cucumber extracts. Given the ingredients, I anticipated a refreshing scent but the wipes actually have a rather overpowering, strong, sweet floral fragrance. This made me a little concerned that the wipes wouldn't be suitable for those with sensitive skin- although it's worth noting that there are no claims that they're targeted as such and the other facial cleansing towelettes offered by the brand, which contain cotton extract, are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

The wipes are satisfyingly moist which reassured me that they were working to remove some of my makeup rather than simply moving it around my face. This also meant that there was less temptation to rub at skin.

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes are neither the best nor the worst wipes I've tried. They're an acceptable choice and I feel that they're reasonably priced at £5.99 for 30 wipes.

Thursday, 22 January 2015

I've previously been impressed by the Trevor Sorbie Frizz Free Repair Mask (click here to read my review) so I was intrigued to try out the accompanying Shampoo and Conditioner from the same line.

On first impressions, I liked the packaging. Both the Shampoo and Conditioner are presented in functional tubes, with colour used to distinguish the products- the Shampoo is in a bright turquoise tube which I feel would jump out to me if I saw it on a shop shelf, whilst the Conditioner is in a subtle white tube which gives it a more grown up appearance. The directions are clear & easy to follow and I appreciated the inclusion of Salon Stylist Top Tips on each of the tubes.

Trevor Sorbie Frizz Free Shampoo is a pearlised gel with a relatively liquid formula. Whilst both products have the same scent as the Trevor Sorbie Frizz Free Repair Mask during use, I noticed that the Shampoo has a very fresh scent during application. It produces a generous lather, meaning that a little goes a long way. It rinsed out easily.

Trevor Sorbie Frizz Free Conditioner has a creamy texture and felt silky to apply. I was able to work it through my hair easily. As with the Shampoo, I noticed that the scent during application was slightly different to that which I noticed once the product had been applied. It has a very floral fragrance during application, which I found pleasant. I couldn't detect any scent in my hair once it had been dried and styled. I was impressed at the ease with which I was able to rinse out the Conditioner.

The products are designed to leave hair healthier looking, smooth and shiny and I have to say that I'd agree with these claims. I was particularly impressed at how smooth my frizz prone hair looked. Whilst not completely frizz free, frizz was noticeably diminished and there was considerably less frizz than I'd normally experience. My fine hair was softened yet manageable and not weighed down.

Trevor Sorbie Frizz Free Shampoo and Conditioner are each priced at £5.40 for 250ml which I feel represents good value for money. I've been very impressed with these products, particularly because they deliver results which are comparable with the claims.

Tuesday, 20 January 2015

I enjoy indulging in baths on occasion but on a daily basis, I prefer the convenience of a shower. Showers are often considered to be awakening but I like to use products which help me to unwind as part of my evening beauty routine. I have recently been trying Organic Surge Comforting Lavender Meadow Shower Gel which is designed as a comforting and moisturising shower gel to balance body & mind while it cleanses. It contains 98.7% natural ingredients and is certified by EcoCert.

The packaging isn't the most luxurious but nor is it offensive. I liked the bold purple colour which clearly communicates the lavender ingredient. I appreciated the functionality of the tube dispenser and liked that I could easily tell how much product was remaining.

Organic Surge Comforting Lavender Meadow Shower Gel has a clear gel formula. I was both pleasantly surprised and impressed at how easily I was able to work it into a generous lather in spite of the SLS free formula (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is the foaming agent), meaning that a little goes a long way. Thanks to this, I feel that the generously sized 250ml tube will last a long time.

Despite the Lavender Meadow name, I found the predominant scent to be of geranium, which isn't to my personal taste. Having said this, geranium essential oil is listed on the front of the tube as part of the description so I can't complain! I didn't notice that the scent lingered on my skin following use.

Regular readers will know that I favour SLS free shower gels as I find them to be less drying on my skin although it's worth noting that I still needed to moisturise following use.

I'm not sure that I noticed any unwinding benefits and given that the scent wasn't to my liking, I wouldn't repurchase this. However, it's a perfectly fine shower gel and I feel that the £4.75 price tag is fair (what's more, Organic Surge often have offers or value bundles on their website). I'd be interested in trying other scents in the range as I do feel that this is a relatively good quality product.

Note: I've recently spotted this in my local Waitrose & it appears to have been repackaged. The new tube packaging is less bold but equally functional and as far as I could tell, the product remains the same.

The sleek black tub gives a nod to the hair salon origins of the brand. It has a unisex feel to it and would be unlikely to jump out to me if I saw it on a shop shelf but nonetheless, I'd be happy to have it on display in my bathroom. Regular readers will know that I'd have preferred the functionality of a tube and I feel that this would be particularly well suited to the lightweight formula of the mask. I found the directions clear and easy to follow.

A little goes a long way (the instructions recommend using an almond sized amount) so the generously sized 200ml tub will last & last and for me, this goes some way to justifying the relatively high price point. The pleasant scent reiterates the salon branding. It's luxurious and reminded me of the scent of products used in hair salons.

The mask needs to be left on hair for 10 minutes. For convenience, I prefer masks which give results in less than 10 minutes although I appreciate that this adds to the "me time" pampering experience to create a salon-at-home experience. It rinsed out with relative ease.

Following use, my hair was left looking smooth and shiny with frizz noticeably diminished. In particular, I was impressed at the body & movement my fine hair had- it wasn't weighed down at all, as it can be with some masks.

At £23.50 for 200ml, Electric Hairdressing Intensive Treatment Masque is undeniably expensive. Having said this, with the exception of the lengthy treatment time, I found it enjoyable to use and was impressed with the results. I feel that the price point is justified and would recommend checking it out, particularly if you have fine hair.

Wednesday, 14 January 2015

Body scrub is one of those products where I find it difficult to justify splashing out on a luxe brand. After all, I could achieve the same effect using staple kitchen ingredients such as sugar and oil and would rather save my pennies for results driven products such as skincare.
I've recently been trying the Cocoa Body Scrub from budget friendly brand, Palmer's who are well known for their cocoa butter products.

It's clear from the packaging that it's an affordable option, and although it's far from luxurious in terms of aesthetics, I didn't find the packaging to be offensive.

Regular readers will know that I dislike tub presentations because I find them to be messy and unhygienic, and this was no exception.

Palmer's Cocoa Body Scrub has a rich texture, very similar to that of a body butter. This is perhaps unsurprising given that the ingredients include cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin E. I found the scent, which is predominately cocoa butter, to be familiar and comforting.

The exfoliating particles are ground walnut shell along with a smaller concentration of cocoa seed powder. The scrub is gentle and although it did the job, I prefer more of a satisfyingly abrasive body scrub. Palmer's Cocoa Body Scrub offers the level of exfoliation that I tend to opt for in the summer months when I want to keep my tan looking fresh, without the need for a thorough scrub.

It rinsed away easily, leaving no residue on the skin and as such, it was necessary to moisturise following use. My skin was left feeling smooth but not particularly nourished despite the inclusion of cocoa butter.

Palmer's Cocoa Body Scrub costs £4.99 for 200g, making it an affordable option. However, I probably wouldn't repurchase it because there are other affordable body scrubs (particularly those by Soap & Glory) which I prefer.

Tuesday, 13 January 2015

Today's review is of balance Me Rose Otto Hand Cream, one of two hand creams offered by the natural British brand.

I like the balance Me packaging which clearly communicates the natural message without being worthy. The products always appeal to me when I see them on a shop shelf thanks to the use of colour on the packaging, which I feel is in line with the mid- range branding and price points.

As with most hand creams, this was presented in a functional tube with flip top dispenser. In keeping with the "green" message, the tube isn't presented in a box but merely sealed at the base with a small plastic wrapper. I liked the inclusion of a "top tip" on the back of the tube recommending that the cream can also be applied to parched feet before bed.

balance Me Rose Otto Hand Cream is described as being "richly moisturising and velvet-ifying". It's an interesting cream as it has a relatively lightweight texture which quickly sinks into the skin, whilst also living up to the richly moisturising claims. It boasts a blend of anti-oxidant rich Arctic Cloudberry, soothing lanolin, moisturising shea butter & sweet almond oil along with smoothing camellia and kukui nut oils and it's owing to these ingredients that it effectively conditions and soothes dry hands. I feel that balance Me Rose Otto Hand Cream is best suited to dry hands in winter or at bed time and this is owing to the fact that it left a residue on the skin. Whilst this felt reassuringly protective against the cold, I disliked the greasiness and this would be the predominant factor which would put me off repurchasing. However, if you are more tolerant of such greasy residue, the richness of the cream means that a little goes a long way so the 100ml tube will last & last, making it an economical choice.

As the name suggests, the hand cream has a delicate rose scent thanks to the inclusion of rose otto, palma rosa and rose geranium essential oils. I found this to be pleasant without being overwhelming.

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At £14.50 for 100ml, balance Me Rose Otto Hand Cream is priced at the mid-range of the scale which I feel is in keeping with the brand's image.

Thursday, 8 January 2015

I'm really enjoying the recently re-vamped aromatherapy range from The Sanctuary and have already featured the Unwind Bath Soak, also from the Relax line (click here to read the review). Today's review is of the accompanying body butter, a.k.a. the Relax Cocooning Body Butter.

As tends to be the case with body butters, The Sanctuary Relax Cocooning Body Butter is presented in a plastic tub.

I have to admit that I tend not to like a lot of body butters as I dislike the greasy residue that many leave on the skin, however, I really liked The Sanctuary Relax Cocooning Body Butter. I'd describe the texture as a rich cream rather than having the butter or balm texture that is common to body butters. I was impressed at how easily it was absorbed into my skin. I loved that it didn't leave a greasy residue. Upon initial application, there was a velvet finish which is most likely thanks to the inclusion of dimethicone as an ingredient. After a short while, I could detect absolutely no residue on the skin.

I fell in love with the incredible scent, which is luxurious and reminiscent of higher end brands. The Sanctuary Relax Cocooning Body Butter contains a blend of essential oils including Vetivert to help calm the mind, Cedarwood which helps to promote a sense of clarity and Labdanum which helps to promote gentle relaxation. The blend makes for a scent which is sensual, warm & comforting. It's ideal for winter use. I was delighted that the scent lingered on my skin for hours after I'd applied the cream.

I can only reiterate how impressed I've been with The Sanctuary's aromatherapy range and the Relax Cocooning Body Butter is no exception. At £9.50 for 200ml, it offers an affordable way to indulge at home and I'd highly recommend checking it out.

Wednesday, 7 January 2015

It would never have crossed my mind to try haircare from Korres. I had a vague awareness that they offered haircare products but it certainly wouldn't have been the first thing to spring to mind when thinking of the brand. However, I was sent the Almond & Linseed Shampoo and accompanying Almond & Linseed Conditioner to try and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

The products are designed to treat dry and damaged hair and couldn't have arrived at a better time. Whilst my hair isn't colour treated, I have recently been rather slack with my hair appointments and my tresses were showing the signs of damage caused by heat styling. Whilst such damage can't be repaired, there was definitely a need to show my hair some t.l.c.

I love Korres' signature packaging which I consider to be effortlessly cool. The shampoo and conditioner were no exception and I was happy to have them on display in my shower. I liked that the packaging for the shampoo is different to that of the conditioner, helping to distinguish them in the shower. The Almond & Linseed Shampoo is presented in a plastic bottle with flip top dispenser, which I thought was well suited to the rather runny consistency. Meanwhile, the Conditioner is presented in a functional tube which meant that it was easy to control how much was used and avoid wastage.

Both the Almond & Linseed Shampoo and accompanying Conditioner have an incredible, comforting and milky scent, which I fell in love with. I thought that the Conditioner had an ever-so-slightly fresher scent than the Shampoo. The scent lingered delicately in my hair once it was dried & styled.

A little goes a long way with each of the products. I was disappointed to note that despite boasts of natural credentials on the packaging, the Shampoo contains SLS. The trade off is that this enables a generous, rich lather to be produced. The Conditioner has a creamy texture which isn't as rich as a mask but certainly not the most lightweight conditioner I've tried either. It was relatively easy to rinse out.

Following use, my hair was left feeling incredibly soft and looking shiny. Frizz & flyaways were noticeably diminished, without the use of silicones (which the products are free from). Even though my hair was smoother than usual, it was still manageable. I was particularly impressed to note that whilst these products are nourishing, my fine hair wasn't weighed down (although I did need to alternate them with other products and so didn't use them every time I washed my hair).

Korres Almond & Linseed Shampoo costs more than I had expected at £10 for 250ml, whilst the Conditioner is £10 for 200ml (note that there is less product volume in the Conditioner, which is slightly annoying as I always tend to use conditioners up more quickly). They are good products but I feel that they're slightly overpriced as I'd have guessed them to be priced at around £7.50.

Tuesday, 6 January 2015

As a spa brand product, I was keen to try Champneys Citrus Blush Shower Gel as a way of injecting a little luxury into the everyday routine of showering.﻿

The tube presentation is functional for use and I appreciated being able to tell how much product was remaining. I felt that I went through the 200ml tube quite quickly.

The inclusion of SLS meant that I was able to work the shower gel into a generous lather, however, the downside is that I found it to be quite drying on my skin.

This shower gel had originally appealed to me as I enjoy using energising shower gels, such as those based on citrus, in the mornings. The scent is unusual and more complex than I'd anticipated based on the name. Champneys Citrus Blush Shower Gel is described as having lemon, orange and cardamom fragrances. I found it different to other citrus shower gels I've tried previously and was disappointed to note that it was less revitalising and uplifting, although this is purely down to my personal preference. The cardamom adds a subtle spiciness and warmth to the shower gel. I noticed that the scent lingered slightly on my skin after my shower.

At £6 for 200ml, this is a pricier option than the average shower gel but I didn't feel that it offered anything special. It was fine but for the price I couldn't justify a repurchase.

Monday, 5 January 2015

Clarins True Radiance Foundation SPF15 launched last year. As the name suggests, it's designed as a light-infusing foundation to brighten and correct the complexion. I've recently been trialling it (click here to watch my First Impressions/ Review video including application) and it's quickly become a favourite.

My initial impression was how sleek and luxurious the bottle is. Packaged in a signature red Clarins box, Clarins True Radiance Foundation SPF15 is presented in a rectangular glass bottle. Admittedly, the somewhat bulky glass packaging may not be ideal for those who travel a lot but I like that it is transparent so I can easily see how much product was remaining. I also appreciate the functionality of the pump dispenser, which makes it easy to control how much foundation is released and thereby avoids wastage. This is particularly important given that the foundation has a relatively liquid formula- fairly similar in consistency to Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation albeit slightly thicker. I've found that 1-2 pumps dispenses sufficient product to cover my entire face and I tend to apply it onto skin using a Real Techniques Buffing Brush.

My shade in Clarins is 103 (for comparison, I'm approx. NC15 in MAC), which is a good colour match. I really appreciate that Clarins are consistent with their foundation shades across the various bases they offer as it means I can easily try a new foundation without the need to be colour matched every time. ﻿

I dislike the scent of Clarins foundations, which all (of those I've tried) seem to have a strong, fresh cucumber scent and this was no exception. Whilst that description doesn't sound offensive, I don't personally like the scent because it reminds me of the fragrance of hair removal creams! Thankfully, it's not noticeable on the skin following application. ﻿

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I'm able to apply Clarins True Radiance Foundation SPF15 quickly & easily and have found that it blends well. Clarins describe it as having medium to full coverage and I'd certainly agree. This means that a little goes a long way.

The finish lives up to the "True Radiance" name, more so than any other foundation I've tried. The radiance is imparted from light reflective pigments meaning that it appears natural and I wasn't able to detect any tell tale glittery particles. It gives a beautiful dewy finish which would be a particularly good choice for those who lack a natural glow (e.g. owing to dry skin).

Clarins state that True Radiance Foundation SPF15 has a lightweight and moisturising formula. Again, I'd agree with this as it feels very comfortable on the skin throughout the day. I don't experience any oxidisation of colour during wear.

I have combination skin, with my oiliest area being my chin. I have noticed oiliness coming through within just a couple of hours of wearing this foundation (which is quicker than I'd normally experience) so for that reason, I'd highly recommend starting with a primer and setting with a good oil control powder in order to prolong the longevity of it on the skin. As long as those steps are followed, I love this foundation! I've also spoken to others who have normal and slightly dry skin types and noted that they enjoy this foundation as well.

Clarins foundations tend to incorporate skincare benefits and True Radiance Foundation SPF15 has Moringa Seed extract for an anti-pollution effect. I haven't been trialling the foundation for long enough to notice skincare benefits but as a general rule, I trust Clarins when it comes to skincare so this inclusion can only be a positive. What's more, it hasn't caused my acne prone skin to break out.

It's worth noting that Clarins True Radiance Foundation contains SPF15. For some people this may be a bonus but I personally don't feel that makeup, as a general rule, can offer sufficient protection against the sun's harmful rays and prefer to incorporate sun protection within my skincare. Furthermore, the inclusion of SPF may cause flashback (a white cast) in flash photography, although I haven't tested this out.

At £27 for 30ml, it's a pricey foundation (albeit comparably priced with other high end foundations) but one which is worth the money in my opinion. It's become my go-to choice for daily wear. Highly recommended.

Saturday, 3 January 2015

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to be a better blogger in 2015, uploading more regularly & getting back into a schedule. To kick start this, I wanted to revisit The Weekend Feature series and I felt that a piece on Energisers would be fitting for this time of year. After all, the beginning of January provides inspiration to start afresh but the cold weather and dark days can make it difficult to find the motivation to carry out our good intentions. Read on to find out about three energising products that have been giving me a helping hand...

I've never been a morning person so I always look out for uplifting & energising shower gels to make the a.m. that little bit more bearable. I've recently been reaching for Orico Jazzy Moisturising Body Wash.
The body wash is presented in a sturdy plastic bottle which has a minimalist, unisex design on the label. I liked that the bottle was transparent so that I was able to see how much product was remaining. Whilst I'd normally appreciate the functionality of a flip top dispenser, I found that the sturdiness of the plastic bottle combined with the relatively thick gel texture of the body wash made it difficult to squeeze out product and certainly, it was difficult to control how much was dispensed. I'd have preferred a pump dispenser for ease of use.
The body wash contains orange and mandarin essential oils and it's these citrus ingredients which give the shower gel its uplifting scent. In particular, I liked that the scent isn't a synthetic one. It's worth noting that it doesn't linger on the skin following use.
Part of the product's name hints towards Moisturising properties and indeed, the packaging also highlights that the body wash "gently cleanses and moisturises with Baobab", reportedly set to be a key "super ingredient" in 2015. The second ingredient is Aloe Vera extract which again, is soothing and gentle on skin and I suspect is part of the reason for the thick texture of the shower gel. As the product is made from 99% natural ingredients, 12% of which are organic, and accredited with the EcoCert certification, it's no surprise that it Orico Jazzy Moisturising Body Wash is free from SLS. This is evident during use as it took quite a bit of work to produce even the smallest amount of lather. If you like your shower products to create a rich, creamy lather then this won't be for you. However, I personally prefer shower gels which are free from SLS as I can find the detergent to be drying on my skin. I have to admit that I didn't notice any moisturising benefits and still needed to reach for body moisturiser after my shower but my skin didn't feel stripped or dried out, as it can with other shower gels.
At £14 for 200ml, it's not the cheapest of shower gels and for this reason, I'm not sure I'd be able to justify a repurchase. However, it's a pleasant product if you're looking to treat yourself.

I keep Tisserand Energy Aromatherapy Roller Ball on hand for those moments throughout the day when I need an extra pick-me-up. A citrus blend of organic essential oils including Bergamot, Grapefruit and Lime gives a natural energising boost with a pleasant fragrance. The convenient handbag size means that it's travel friendly and can be applied subtly when needed. What's more, it's affordable at £5.50 for 10ml.

Neal's Yard Remedies Candles don't seem to get shown much love in the online beauty community but I'm a big fan. I love the story behind them- they're hand made for Neal's Yard Remedies by a candle maker on a farm on the North coast of Cornwall. The Uplifting Candle (previously called the Energising Candle) is a fantastic home addition at any time of the year and whilst I'm currently enjoying it, I feel that the combination of orange, grapefruit and garden mint lends it particularly well to the warmer months. The blend of pure, organic essential oils makes for a wonderful room filling fragrance that lives up to the Uplifting name. Presented in a chic, etched glass tumbler, the candles are slow burning, with an estimated 45 hours' burn time (although I haven't timed this myself). I found it reassuring that because the candles are 100% organic with a blend of botantical wax and beeswax, it burnt clean, with no soot or the harmful toxins that can be associated with petroleum-based paraffin wax candles. What's more, considering the quality, the candles are cheaper than many others at £29 for a 200g candle. I'd highly recommend checking them out.

Friday, 2 January 2015

As a teenager, The Body Shop featured heavily in my skincare routine thanks to a Saturday job in my local store, but in recent years, it has taken a back seat in favour of specialist and more results driven brands. Having said this, regular readers will know that I love to use a cleansing oil so I was intrigued when I heard that The Body Shop had introduced a version, which I've recently been trialling.

The Body Shop describe Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil as a silky-soft cleanser designed to effortlessly remove makeup, including waterproof makeup, from the whole face quickly and effectively, leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed and clear of impurities. It is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

On first impressions, I liked the packaging. It's a transparent plastic bottle so it's easy to see how much product is remaining and what's more, I appreciated the functionality of the pump dispenser.
One to two pumps of the light golden oil was sufficient to cover my face so the 200ml bottle will last for a long time. However, I'm not convinced that the packaging is particularly travel friendly and I'd be concerned about leakage if I were to pack it in a gym or holiday bag.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil certainly lives up to the "silky" name with a soft and smooth formula which felt gentle on the skin, including the delicate eye area.

It has a lightweight texture and the thin formula meant that it had a lot of "slip" and was easy to work into skin. It is far more lightweight than my favourite DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. I did experience the "cloudy eye" effect that regular users of cleansing oils will be familiar with- more so with this product that with others I've tried but for me, that's not a deal breaker.

It has a delicate, fresh floral fragrance which I didn't find to be overpowering or offensive.

The oil emulsifies into a milk upon contact with water. I found it to be ever so slightly more difficult to remove than my beloved DHC Deep Cleansing Oil but this was barely noticeable and removal was still pretty effortless. It worked effectively to remove all my makeup, including eye makeup (note that I don't wear waterproof mascara so I can't comment on its effectiveness at removal).

My skin was left looking and feeling soft and clean, without being stripped. It didn't feel tight or dry following use.

For me personally, it's not quite as good as the DHC version but that comes down to personal taste. That's not to say that I didn't like it because I did.
It's worth noting that The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil is less than half the price of my beloved DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (which currently retails for £21.50 for 200ml). At just £10 for 200ml, The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil represents fantastic value for money. Taking the price and the quality of the oil into consideration, it is one of the best affordable skincare options that I've come across in a long time. I definitely recommend checking it out, whether you already swear by cleansing oils or are looking to try them for the first time.

Happy New Year!
The start of January can only mean one thing here on Skin Deep- it's time for the annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards. Somewhat unbelievably, the awards are now in their 5th year and bigger than ever with a host of new categories. As always, the awards honour my favourite beauty products whether they be long-standing must-haves or new discoveries. Once again, those winners which have been recognised for three or more years gain a well deserved place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. Help yourself to a glass of virtual Champagne & raise a glass to this year's winners.

HAIRCARE

BEST SHAMPOO... CLYNOL CLEAR CLEANSING SHAMPOO

I'd previously veered away from clarifying shampoos, fearing that they'd be too harsh for my sensitive scalp. Don't dismiss Clynol Clear Cleansing Shampoo based on the unassuming packaging-this gentle yet effective option instantly became part of my weekly routine after trying it for the first time this year.

Bouffe Dry Spray delivers on its claims to add volume and texture to fine hair. Whilst it does leave a residue, this creates hold and the spray has been a welcome addition to my hair styling kit this year.

BEST TOOL... LEE STAFFORD JUMBO TONG & NOURISH

I wore my hair in loose curls & waves a lot during 2014 and Lee Stafford's Jumbo Tong & Nourish was my go-to tool for creating them with ease.

SKINCARE

BEST WASH-OFF CLEANSER/ CLEANSING OIL... DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL

This year, the Best Cleanser category has been split out to reflect the variety of different formulas available.

A winner for the third year running, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is an affordable, affordable yet effective cleanser which has earned a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. Click here to read my original review.

BEST CLEANSING BALM/ HOT CLOTH CLEANSER... CLINIQUE TAKE THE DAY OFF CLEANSING BALM

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm has a rich texture (akin to lard!) that effortlessly melts into skin, promoting massage & effectively removing makeup without clogging pores. The unscented formula means that this gentle cleansing balm is a good choice even for those with sensitive skin.

BEST CLEANSING WATER... THIS WORKS CLEAN SKIN 5-IN-1 WATER

This Works Clean Skin 5-In-1 Water works effectively to remove makeup, including eye makeup. It's a gentle choice which feels soothing on the skin thanks to the inclusion of rosewater and hydrating glycerin. Click here to read my original review.

BEST CLEANSING WIPES... DERMALOGICA PRECLEANSE WIPES

Dermalogica PreCleanse Wipes aren't the most economical but they've taken the winning spot this year because the oil base means that they offer a more effective cleanse than most wipes. Click here to read my original review.

BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVER... CLARINS INSTANT EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

A smokey eye is my go-to for nights out and this bi-phase eye makeup remover makes light work of removing even the heaviest & most dramatic looks.

BEST SERUM... DARPHIN HYDRASKIN INTENSIVE MOISTURISING SERUM

Darphin Hydraskin Intensive Moisturising Serum keeps skin hydrated all day long and what's more, it works well under makeup.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist boasts a delicate rose scent, hydrates skin and is delivered in a fine & even mist.

BEST FACE CREAM... LA ROCHE POSAY ROSALIAC UV LEGERE

A winner for the third year running, La Roche Posay Rosaliac UV Legere has earned a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. I've lost count of the amount of times that I've repurchased this lightweight moisturiser, which protects skin without clogging pores. It's my go-to for daily use.

This results driven gel-cream once again takes the prize for Best Night Cream.

BEST EYE CREAM... KIEHL'S SUPER MULTI-CORRECTIVE EYE-OPENING SERUM

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum launched in Autumn 2014 and I was quickly impressed with the results driven formula. Dismissing the ridiculously long name, the eye serum is lightweight so that it's easily absorbed into the delicate eye area to hydrate without causing puffiness.

BEST DECONGESTING MASK... OMOROVICZA DEEP CLEANSING MASK

Despite the high price point, this gentle yet deep cleansing mask remains a must-have within my skincare kit and after winning for three years in a row, has gained a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. Click here to read my original review.

BEST HYDRATING MASK... CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH CREAM MASK

Clarins HydraQuench Cream Mask is recognised in this category for the second time. The creamy mask is my go-to when I want to soothe and hydrate skin and it also helps to improve skin's tone. Click here to read my original review.

Alpha H Liquid Gold is a cult product and after just one use, it's easy to see why. It should be dubbed "New Skin in a Bottle" thanks to its dramatic revitalising effects. My skin looks glowing and more youthful since incorporating this into my skincare routine.

BEST SPOT/ ACNE TREATMENT... LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR DUO+

This cult product is a must-have for anyone that suffers from blemishes or acne prone skin. It's the single product that has made the greatest difference to my beauty regime in 2014, dramatically improving my skin both in terms of reducing active breakouts and diminishing scarring.

BEST LIP BALM... LANOLIPS 101 OINTMENT

Lanolips 101 Ointment is a rich balm which helps to protect lips and soothe even the driest skin.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... ULTIMATE AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES FACIAL

This indulgent facial from one of my favourite brands wins once again thanks to the enjoyable treatment and impressive results.

MAKEUP

BEST PRIMER... RIMMEL FIX & PERFECT PRIMER

This affordable primer is a winner for the second year running. It prolongs the longevity of makeup without breaking out my acne prone skin.

BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER... URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION

This must-have, cult product has earned its place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame after winning for three years running. It prolongs the wear of eyeshadows, prevents creasing and enhances their colour. Click here to read my original review.

BEST SETTING SPRAY... URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER SETTING SPRAY

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray lives up to its name, helping to keep makeup in place. It's also handy for reducing any cakey or powdery finish.

BEST FOUNDATION... MAKE UP FOR EVER HD FOUNDATION

My "holy grail" foundation wins for the third year running and earns a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. Make Up For Ever HD Foundation is available in a wide range of shades, feels lightweight on the skin and gives an incredible flawless finish. It's the product that has turned me into a foundation hoarder as I can't bear to be without back-ups of this so I'm thrilled by the news that the brand is launching into Debenhams in 2015.

BEST BB CREAM... DR JART+ REGENERATING BEAUTY BALM

Dr Jart+ Regenerating Beauty Balm wins for the second year running thanks to the impressive coverage which is paired with skincare benefits including SPF30. It's an essential within my travel or summer bag.

BEST UNDEREYE CONCEALER... RIMMEL WAKE ME UP CONCEALER

Rimmel's affordable concealer wins for the second year in a row. It's difficult to think of a day in 2014 when this hasn't featured within my makeup routine. The combination of the brightening formula and opaque coverage means that it's the perfect choice for disguising dark under eye circles.

BEST BLEMISH CONCEALER... KAT VON D LOCK-IT TATTOO CONCEALER

This full coverage concealer effectively covers blemishes and scaring and has earned a well deserved place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame after scooping the prize for three years.

BEST PRESSED POWDER... RIMMEL STAY MATTE PRESSED POWDER

At less than £5, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder delivers on its claims by helping to set makeup and leave a longwearing matte finish, whilst also going some way to controlling oil.

BEST LOOSE POWDER... BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL AGENT ZERO SHINE

Benefit The Porefessional Agent Zero Shine has been my powder of choice whenever I'm travelling thanks to the handy packaging which incorporates a precision brush. It's a pricey product but it delivers on its claims by giving a matte finish and goes some way to controlling oil.

BEST BRONZER... NARS LAGUNA

This beauty blogger favourite gives skin a believable sun kissed glow and as such, has earned its place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame after winning for three years.

BEST CONTOUR... KEVYN AUCOIN THE SCULPTING POWDER

This is a new category for 2014 which reflects the popularity of contouring. Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder is a highly pigmented, cool toned powder which is sufficiently finely milled so as to make blending a breeze... a worthy winner.

BEST POWDER BLUSH... CLINIQUE CHEEK POPS

When Clinique Cheek Pops launched early in 2014, they immediately caught my attention thanks to the pretty daisy design. When I came to try them, I was blown away by the highly pigmented, long wearing formula which left a beautiful finish on the cheeks. The shade "Ginger Pop" was my favourite of the year.

BEST CREAM/ LIQUID BLUSH... NYX STICK BLUSH

This wallet friendly cream blush is available in a variety of wearable shades, with "Tea Rose" and "Hibiscus" featuring as favourites this year. The highly pigmented formula means that a little goes a long way. What's more, the stick presentation means they're ideal for travel as they can be applied directly to skin and blended with fingers, negating the need for brushes.

BEST HIGHLIGHTER... BENEFIT GIRL MEETS PEARL

A winner for the second time, Benefit Girl Meets Pearl gives a natural highlight and the creamy formula means that it is easily blendable for a skin-like finish.

BEST BROW PRODUCT... TOM FORD BROW SCULPTOR

Tom Ford Brow Sculptor is my "holy grail" brow product and wins for the second year running. It's undeniably expensive so I'm pleased to note the attention to detail that's gone into the design, which incorporates a sharpener and spooly brush. The angle of the pencil means that it's practically foolproof to use and I adore the cool-toned shade "taupe" for filling in brows naturally.

BEST POWDER EYESHADOW... MAC

MAC eyeshadows are favourites thanks to the variety of colours and finishes available. On the whole, I find them to be easy to work with, with good colour pay off, blendable formulas and longevity on the eye.

Maybelline Color Tattoos once again scoop the prize for Best Cream Eyeshadow thanks to the longwearing, crease proof formula and pigmented shades. It's hard to believe that these are less than £5.

BEST EYESHADOW CRAYON... NO7 STAY PERFECT SHADE AND DEFINE

A new category for 2014 which is being introduced in recognition of the popularity of this format. Eyeshadow crayons are quick & easy to use and ideal for beginners or travel as they can be applied directly to lids before being blended with fingers, negating the need for brushes. No7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define scoops the prize thanks to the smooth, longwearing & crease proof formula, wearable shades and affordable price tag.

BEST EYESHADOW PALETTE... TOO FACED CHOCOLATE BAR PALETTE

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette launched in 2014 and gained instant popularity. The Chocolate Bar design of the packaging and the palette itself is well thought out and executed, even down to incorporating the scent of chocolate. The mix of matte & shimmer finish shadows, which have confectionary themed names, are smooth to apply, easily blendable and wearable. Click here to read my original review & see swatches.

BEST PENCIL EYELINER... TOO FACED PERFECT EYES WATERPROOF EYELINER

When Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner was recognised in last year's Skin Deep Awards, I stated, "It's one of the best eyeliners I've ever used... It's certainly the most long-wearing" and I still stand by that. The eyeliner gives the intensity of a gel-like effect but with the convenience of a pencil application.

BEST LIQUID/ GEL EYELINER... NYX THE CURVE

This felt tip liquid liner is presented in an unusual curved applicator, making it a breeze to use even for beginners.

BEST MASCARA... MAYBELLINE THE FALSIES FLARED VOLUME EXPRESS MASCARA

This affordable mascara is recognised for the second year running. The curved brush helps to create volumised, feminine fluttery lashes without crispiness, clumps, smudges or flaking. What's more, it holds a curl impressively well.

BEST LIPSTICK... MAC

A winner for the third year running, MAC lipsticks have earned their place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame thanks to the comfortable formulas and extensive colour range. My favourite shades this year have included "Lady Danger" and "Peach Blossom".

BEST LIP TINT... REVLON LIP BUTTER

Revlon Lip Butters have earned their place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame after winning for three years in a row. These wallet friendly lip tints, which are available in a wide variety of colours, are comfortable to wear thanks to the hydrating formula. Many of the shades are sufficiently sheer that they can be applied without a mirror, making them an effortless everyday choice, although they can also be built up for a more intense effect.

BEST LIP LINER... NO7 PRECISION LIPS PENCIL

This affordable lip pencil has a creamy texture allowing for a smooth application along with a twist up functionality, making it a worthy winner for the second year running. My favourite is the versatile "nude" shade which No7 Creative Director, Lisa Eldridge created as the perfect colour for light and medium skin tones.

BEST LIPGLOSS... CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT NATURAL LIP PERFECTOR

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors are a balm and gloss hybrid that feels nourishing on the lips whilst adding a natural hint of colour and shiny finish. I love that they can be applied without a mirror, feel smooth but not sticky and boast a tempting toffee fragrance.

BEST NAIL POLISH... ESSIE

From the sleek design of the bottles to the extensive shade selection and long wearing, smooth formula, Essie polishes are amongst my favourites so it's unsurprisingly that they're being recognised for the second time.

BEST TOOL... REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES

Winning for the third year and earning a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame, Real Techniques brushes represent fantastic value for money. For the price, the quality is unparalleled. The synthetic bristles feel super soft on the skin, dry quickly after washing and I'm yet to have a brush shed even a single hair despite the fact that I use them almost daily.

BODY

BEST SHOWER WASH... JURLIQUE MOISTURE REVIVE SHOWER GEL

This natural shower wash is the softest I've ever used. It gently cleanses the body without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

BEST BATH SOAK... AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES BATH & SHOWER OILS

Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oils are one of my all time favourite, can't-live-without beauty products so it's unsurprising that they're once again scooping the Best Bath Soak award, having been recognised every single year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards.

BEST SCRUB... SOAP & GLORY THE BREAKFAST SCRUB

Taking the prize for the third year running, Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub has earned a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. This wallet friendly scrub is satisfyingly abrasive without being harsh and what's more, it smells good enough to eat!

BEST BODY OIL... ELEMIS FRANGIPANI MONOI BODY OIL

This indulgent body oil, which is solid at room temperature and needs to be melted prior to use, has been recognised every year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards. I love the ritual of applying the warmed oil to my skin and the incredible scent is a noted favourite amongst beauty writers.

BEST BODY MOISTURISER... VASELINE SPRAY & GO

Vaseline Spray & Go does exactly what the name suggests. The lightweight body moisturiser is easily absorbed, leaving skin hydrated but without a greasy residue.

BEST SUNCARE... LANCASTER

Lancaster is once again recognised in the Best Suncare category as I know I can trust the brand to protect my skin against the sun's harmful rays.

BEST AFTERSUN... HAWAIIAN TROPIC SILK HYDRATION AFTER SUN

This affordable gel-cream aftersun wins for the second year running. It moisturises & soothes sun parched skin and leaves a fresh scent.

BEST FAKE TAN... XEN-TAN MOROCCAN TAN

Celebrity favourite, Xen- Tan wins for the second year running. The deep Moroccan Tan is easy to use thanks to a guide colour and leaves skin with a rich yet believable tan.

Palmer's Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser is one of the best gradual tanners I've come across, imparting a natural colour at an wallet friendly price. It's unsurprising that it's a beauty blogger favourite and winner for the second year running.

BEST INSTANT COLOUR... THIS WORKS PERFECT LEGS SKIN MIRACLE

This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle contains Vitamins C & E along with Arnica to work to improve legs' appearance whilst a hint of colour adds an instant tint to pasty limbs.

I come back to this winter essential year after year and have recommended it to countless people. Whilst the strong scent may not be to everyone's liking, there's no denying the effectiveness of this rich cream at quickly treating the even driest and chapped hands.

BEST TOOL/ ACCESSORY... MAYBELLINE EXPRESS NAIL VARNISH REMOVER

Maybelline Express Nail Varnish Remover is presented as a tub containing a sponge soaked with nail polish remover. It's a handy format and whilst the concept isn't new or unique, I like the Maybelline version because it works quickly & effectively to remove polish without leaving a residue on the skin.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... STRIP WAXING

This celebrity favourite offers the best Brazilians in London and thanks to efficient and professional staff and themed rooms, manages to make this beauty chore bearable.

FRAGRANCE

BEST FRAGRANCE (WOMEN'S)... GUERLAIN SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL

Guerlain's updated version of the classic Shalimar is a winner once again. The sophisticated blend of bergamot, rose, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, tonka bean and Guerlain's signature vanilla makes this sensual floral chypre ideal for evening use.

BEST NEW LAUNCH... JIMMY CHOO STARS

The Best New Launch award this year goes to Jimmy Choo Stars, a chypre fragrance with notes of orange, candied orange, orchid, toffee, sandalwood and patchouli. From the intoxicating scent to the glamorous bottle, everything about this fragrance is unashamedly sexy.

BEST HOME FRAGRANCE... NEOM ORGANICS CANDLES

NEOM's luxury candles have been recognised every year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards and this year is no exception, despite having undergone a rebrand in 2014. The three wick candles look chic and boast high quality ingredients to give a room filling fragrance and a truly therapeutic experience.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Skin Deep this year and over the last five years.